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Updated: October 1, 2020
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Ammoudi Bay below Oia, a great place to enjoy lunch or dinner, and where many caldera boat tours depart.
Ammoudi is the beautiful bay and small port located 200 steps below Oia. The bay is lined with terrific seafood restaurants, with the crystal clear waters lapping at table’s edge. The port is busy with boat tours arriving and departing all day long. Catamarans of all sizes bring tourists to see the volcano, swim in the hot springs, tour the caldera cliffs and beaches, and on wildly popular sunset cruises. 5 minutes walk past the last restaurant, a dirt path hooks around the corner to a great swimming spot, with a small island you can swim out to that has a popular ledge to jump off.
There are 2 options for how to reach the bay. A steep but walkable staircase from just below the castle in Oia leads down to the bay if you’re up for it. Each step is wide, and the surfaces uneven at times. If you’re heading out to a romantic dinner in fancy shoes or spending the day in flip flops, this walk probably isn’t for you. Like the Fira to Oia hiking trail, it’ll help to have on appropriate shoes. The other way is to take a taxi that can be arranged at your hotel or by your restaurant for the return. The fixed priced for a taxi between Oia and Amoudi is 10€. Another option is to walk one direction and drive the other. Ammoudi Bay restaurant waiters are happy to call taxis for their dining guests after a meal.
Ammoudi Bay in Santorini – Video
Ammoudi Bay Information
- Location: Oia, Santorimni
- Hours: Ammoudi Bay restaurants are open during lunch and dinner hours.
- Parking: Free parking, with a short walk to restaurants. The road is narrow and filled with vehicles shuttling passengers to dining and boat tours, and can be hectic during peak hours.
- Bus: None.
- Dining: A handful of great waterfront restaurants to choose from.
Ammoudi Bay
A steep 200 stairs descend from Oia to Ammoudi Bay. The stairs are wide but uneven. The bay is also accessible by vehicle.
Ammoudi Bay as seen from above in Oia.
An iconic Ammoudi image, the octopuses hanging outside of many restaurants.
Perfection.
Each night, cruises depart Ammoudi Bay for the amazing sunsets.
Restaurant patios jutting out into the water.
The walking path through the bay passes through the patios of each restaurant.
Past the last restaurant, the walking path leads to a great swimming spot.
Our favorite swimming spot on Santorini.
There’s a great platform to jump from if you’re feeling adventurous.
Ammoudi as seen from a departing boat.
The staircase leading up from the bay to Oia.
Riding a donkey up the stairs is an option during daylight, but not one we recommend.
The entrance to one of the excellent restaurants.
Boat tour passengers in a shaded area awaiting departure.
We recommend Ammoudi Fish Tavern as one of the best choices, though you can’t go wrong.
A gorgeous place to enjoy a meal and take a stroll along the water.
One of 2 boat piers.
Watching the boats come and go is a great pleasure while dining along the water.
Restaurants of Ammoudi Bay
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